SIA Vertical Insights Lodging and Casino Security Symposium Wednesday March 11, 2026, 1-2:30 p.m. EST, sponsored by HID

Vertical Insights: Lodging and Casino Security Symposium

About the Event

Vertical Insights is a series of virtual events presented by the Security Industry Association (SIA) and focused on top vertical markets. This series is designed to bring together practitioners, security integrators, solution providers, consultants and others involved in protecting key sectors.

Lodging properties and casinos remain attractive targets for malicious actors, both physically and in the cyber realm. At the same time, these environments demand open, welcoming experiences for guests, creating a complex balance between safety, hospitality, and operational efficiency. Modern security systems play a critical role not only in protecting guests and staff, but also in enhancing guest experience and streamlining day-to-day operations.

This symposium will examine how integrated physical security and cybersecurity solutions can help mitigate threats and risk while supporting business objectives. Industry experts will discuss best practices, emerging technologies and real-world use cases, offering actionable insights for security leaders operating in these high-traffic, high-value environments.

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Register and we’ll send you the on-demand viewing link as soon as it’s archived.

Sponsored By:

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Date

Mar 11 2026

Time

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

More Info

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Location

Zoom

Organizer

SIA
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Speakers

  • Erik Antons
    Erik Antons
    Managing Vice President and Chief Safety and Security Officer, Marriott International

    Erik Antons is the managing vice president and chief safety and security officer of Marriott International, where he leads the physical and technical safety and security risk and crisis management, investigations, intelligence, executive protection and governance programs. Marriott International is a $26 billion enterprise of 418,000+ associates within 9,600 owned, managed and franchised hotels and corporate properties across 144 countries and territories.
    Previously, Antons was the chief security officer at PPG Industries, Whirlpool Corporation and Hyatt Hotels. Prior to joining Hyatt, Antons was manager of international security and executive services with Sempra Energy.

    Antons began his security risk management career as a special agent with the Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of State, where he safeguarded the people, property and information of Americans overseas, often in critical-threat environments.
    Antons is a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Physical Security Professional (PSP) and a Certified Lodging Security Director with the American Hotel and Lodging Education Institute. He is a board member of the International Security Management Association and the Security Foundation and is a former board member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council. He is a veteran infantryman of the Army National Guard, and he speaks Spanish.

    Antons holds a Master of Science in homeland security from San Diego State University, where he serves as an adjunct faculty member with the Homeland Security Department, and a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Ohio University. He has also completed the ISMA Senior Executive Leadership Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and the Insider Threat Management Certificate Program at Carnegie Mellon University.

  • Phil Coppola
    Phil Coppola
    Business Development Director, Mobile Solutions, PACS North America, HID

    Phil Coppola, PSP, is an accomplished professional with a proven track record in the fields of business development, sales and marketing. With a focus on video surveillance, mobile credentials and physical access control systems (PACS), he has made significant contributions to the industry throughout his career.

    Currently serving as the business development director for mobile solutions, PACS North America, at HID, Coppola plays a crucial role in driving growth and expanding market presence. With a strong emphasis on innovation and client-centric solutions, he is instrumental in shaping the future of mobile credential technologies in the security industry.

    As an active content creator, Coppola has amassed a substantial following on LinkedIn with over 10,000 followers. His daily contributions on LinkedIn provide valuable insights, industry updates and thought leadership to his engaged audience. Additionally, Coppola shares his expertise and experiences with a growing community of over 3,400 subscribers on YouTube, where he publishes weekly videos offering valuable content and insights.

    Coppola is also the author of “The Inside Track Newsletter,” a publication on LinkedIn that covers the latest trends, industry news and best practices in the field of mobile credentials and physical access control systems.

    With a passion for delivering exceptional results and a proven ability to drive business growth, Phil Coppola is a highly respected professional in the security industry. His dedication, expertise and strong leadership have positioned him as a trusted advisor and a valuable asset to his partners.